. >> it really helps the cartilage, the new cartilage grow by providing an environment where the cartilage feels comfortable and feels like they can produce actual cartilage instead of scar tissue. >> dr. larry gold studied a small group of patients with damaged cartilage. most of them tried the new hydro gel. patients still had to undergo an outpatient procedure allowing tiny holes to be drilled in their bone beneath the cartilage. the hydro gel was applied. as a result healthy cartilage grows instead of scar cartilage. >> you have a repair that is more like the native cartilage. it will last longer. it will perfeorm better, the patient will be able to tolerate more weight bearing activity without pain. >> reporter: because the cartilage can last five years instead of one or two with the current approach, the new procedure may spare patients from undergoing a second cartilage repair or knee replacement surgery. larger studies are now need ed o determine if hydro gel is safe long term and if it is, it could be available to patients in just a few years. the fda must also approve hydro gel b